While a relentless campaign continues to question current Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Director General Capt. Daminda Rambukwella over his Airbus A320 Type Rating, another allegation circulated on social media has now taken a very different turn.
The criticism directed at Capt. Daminda Rambukwella has largely centred on two issues. First, questions have been raised over the Airbus A320 Type Rating approved after his training at SriLankan Airlines. Second, attempts have been made to challenge his recognition as a commercial Captain, despite his previous rank as a Squadron Leader in the Sri Lanka Air Force, where he accumulated more than 3,600 flying hours operating military aircraft. He also gained experience flying locally operated commercial domestic aircraft through Helitours, the civilian passenger service operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force under an Aircraft Operator Certificate issued by CAASL.
Both matters, however, can be argued in Rambukwella’s favour when considered against his aviation background, flying experience, and the certification process involved.
But a separate claim recently circulated by a Facebook page named Colombo Bulletin has now raised another question.
The post published an image featuring Namal Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament and son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, which appeared to insinuate that he had served as a signatory witness at Rambukwella’s wedding. The accompanying comment further suggested that Rambukwella had maintained close ties with the Rajapaksas.
However, The Morning Telegraph has obtained a copy of Rambukwella’s marriage certificate, which records the two witnesses who signed as dignitaries being former Sri Lanka Cricket CEO and retired Air Force officer Ajit Jayasekara, and Siripala Gamage.
That document now raises a simple but important question: who actually signed as witnesses at the wedding?
If the marriage certificate is accepted as the official record, then the social media insinuation involving Namal Rajapaksa appears to be placed in serious doubt.
At a time when public debate can be shaped by edited images, selective posts, and politically loaded claims, official documentation matters. In this instance, the marriage certificate may finally put that particular ghost to rest.
